The Mosaic Axolotl, a Mexican variety of the axolotl salamander, is among the most curious creatures on the planet.
With striking black and white skin and a wide array of other colors and patterns, it’s no wonder these little amphibians have mesmerized scientists for centuries.
And if you’ve ever dreamed of taking care of your very own axolotl, a mosaic axolotl might be the perfect pet for you.
This care guide will cover everything you need to know about keeping mosaic axolotls as pets.
We’ll start with basic species information and then cover diet, habitat, and care requirements.
Species Overview
Common Name: Mosaic axolotl, Mexican axolotl
Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum
Origin: Mexico
Size: 10-18 inches
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Weight: 5-12 ounces
The Mosaic Axolotl is a variety of the axolotl salamander, a permanently aquatic creature that never goes through a metamorphosis to become a land-dwelling adult.
This means they retain larval features throughout their lives, including external gills and finned tails.
Mosaic axolotls are native to Mexico and can be found in lakes, ponds, and canals in and around Mexico City.
They are a threatened species in the wild due to habitat loss and pollution and are relatively uncommon in the pet trade.
No matter their color, all mosaic axolotls have four toes on each of their front feet and five on their back, which helps them climb and grip surfaces.
They also have long, sensitive whiskers on their faces to navigate and find food.
Mosaic axolotls have a regenerative ability that is unrivaled in the animal kingdom. If they lose a limb, they can regrow it completely and regenerate their spinal cord, heart, and other organs.
Appearance
As their name suggests, mosaic axolotls have a distinctive black-and-white mottled pattern on their skin. However, they can also come in many colors, including a touch of golden flecks, albino, leucistic, and melanistic.
Albino mosaic axolotls have white skin with red eyes, while leucistic mosaic axolotls have pale skin and black eyes.
Melanistic mosaic axolotls are the rarest variety, and they have black bodies with black eyes. With so many color variations, it’s no wonder these little amphibians are so popular among collectors!
This species is rare to find in local pets store, and you will only find them by chance. They are pricey because they cannot be bred in captivity.
Finding one may be difficult, so if you do find one, cherish it.
Weight & Size
Mosaic axolotls typically grow about 10 inches (25 cm) in length, although some individuals may reach up to 18 inches (45 cm). However, the standard length is usually around 7-9 inches.
Adult males are usually larger than females, but both sexes reach similar sizes.
As far as weight goes, a healthy mosaic axolotl weighs anywhere from 5-12 ounces, with females typically being on the heavier end of the spectrum.
Mosaic axolotls are slow-growing creatures and don’t reach their full size until they are 2-3 years old.
Owing to their regenerative abilities, mosaic axolotls can regrow lost body parts, including their limbs, tail, spinal cord, heart, and even parts of their brain.
If an axolotl loses its tail, a new one will grow back within weeks. Due to this regenerative power, scientists have studied mosaic axolotls extensively, hoping to unlock the secrets of tissue regeneration.
Life Expectancy
Mosaic axolotls typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years in captivity, although some are known to have lived for 18 years or more.
In the wild, however, their lifespan is much shorter, and they only live for 2-5 years.
This difference is because wild axolotls face many dangers, including predators, pollution, and disease.
In captivity, however, they are protected from these threats and have access to food and clean water. As a result, they have a much better chance of reaching a ripe old age.
Their living conditions are very important for their health and longevity. If you want your mosaic axolotl to live a long and healthy life, provide it with a spacious tank, plenty of hiding spots, and clean water.
Avoid overfeeding, and perform regular water changes to keep the tank clean. Notorious tank mates and poor water quality are the two main reasons axolotls don’t live as long as they should in captivity.
Behavior
Mosaic axolotls are generally peaceful creatures that get along well with other axolotls and aquatic animals. They are not known to be aggressive and rarely fight with tank mates.
In the wild, mosaic axolotls are mostly nocturnal creatures that spend their days hiding in caves and crevices.
At night, they venture out in search of food.
In captivity, they can be active at any time of day or night, although they are typically more active at night.
Mosaic axolotls are curious creatures and often investigate their surroundings by tasting everything with their tongue.
If you keep them as pets, you may find them tasting the glass of their tank or your hand if you put it in the water.
While this behavior may seem strange, it’s perfectly normal for axolotls.
Also read: Chocolate Cichlid – Care Guide & Species Information
Care Requirements
Mosaic axolotls are relatively easy to care for, but they have specific requirements that must be met to thrive.
Diet
Mosaic axolotls are carnivores who eat just about anything they can fit in their mouths. Their diet consists of small insects, larvae, crustaceans, small fish, and other small amphibians in the wild.
In captivity, you can feed them several different types of food, including:
- live insects
- earthworms,
- frozen brine
- red wigglers
- small fish
- bloodworms
- Mysis shrimp and more
It’s important to note that mosaic axolotls have a slow metabolism, so they don’t need to be fed very often. A general rule of thumb is to feed them once every 2-3 days.
Overfeeding can lead to health problems, such as obesity and digestive issues.
Tank Requirements
Maintaining the correct water parameters is crucial for the health of your mosaic axolotl. They are very sensitive to environmental changes, and even small fluctuations can cause serious health problems. They thrive in water that is cool and clean with a neutral pH.
Water Temperature
The ideal water temperature for mosaic axolotls is between 60-65° Fahrenheit. They are very sensitive to changes in temperature, so it’s important to use a reliable thermometer to keep an eye on the water temperature and ensure it never exceeds 70° Fahrenheit. If the water gets too warm, it can lead to health problems, such as respiratory infections.
pH
The optimum pH for axolotls is between 6.5 and 7.2, with an ideal neutral pH. To test the pH of your water, you can use a simple test kit from your local pet store.
If the pH is too high or too low, it can cause health problems, such as skin lesions and respiratory infections.
Water Quality
Keeping the water in your axolotl’s tank clean and free of toxins is important. The best way to do this is to perform regular water changes.
A general rule of thumb is to change 20-25% of the water every two weeks.
You can use a water filter to ensure your axolotl gets the cleanest water possible. A good filter will remove harmful toxins and bacteria from the water, making it safer for your axolotl to live in.
A bio sponge or external canister filter are good choices for axolotl tanks.
Housing
Mosaic axolotls are fully aquatic creatures and need to be kept in an aquarium with enough water to cover their entire bodies.
A general rule of thumb is to provide at least 20 gallons of water per axolotl.
Since they are such active creatures, they need plenty of space to swim around and explore.
It’s important to note that axolotls can climb, so the tank should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent them from escaping.
Substrate
The best substrate for mosaic axolotls is gravel or sand.
Avoid using rocks or rough substrates, as these can damage their delicate skin.
Since they like to gulp small objects, avoiding using substrates they can swallow, such as small rocks or gravel, is also important.
Plants
Mosaic axolotls are not fussy eaters and will often nibble on live plants.
For this reason, it’s best to avoid using live plants in their tank.
If you do choose to use live plants, be sure to select species that are resistant to axolotl damage, such as Anubias or Java Fern.
Tips For Successfully Keeping Mosaic Axolotls
To enhance and achieve successful care for your mosaic axolotl, here are some tips:
- Do not handle your axolotl too much as they are fragile creatures and can be easily injured by rough handling. Use a mesh net when transferring or moving them from one tank to another.
- Keep their tank clean and free of debris as a dirty tank can lead to health problems, such as respiratory infections.
- Do not overfeed them as it can lead to obesity, which can stress their organs and shorten their lifespan.
- Avoid using sharp objects or decorations in their tank as these can injure your axolotl if they accidentally swim into them.
- When setting up their tank, use a soft, sandy substrate as this will prevent them from getting cuts or scrapes if they accidentally bump into something.
- Have patience when keeping mosaic axolotls as they are notorious for being slow-moving, so don’t expect them to be constantly on the go.
Conclusion
Mosaic Axolotl is a beautiful and unique species of axolotl that are perfect for beginner axolotl keepers. They are easily recognizable with their striking patterns and colors that make them look like works of art.
Despite their beauty, mosaic axolotls are still wild animals that should be treated cautiously and respectfully. When caring for one, it is important to remember that they require a specialized diet and environment.
They are also sensitive to changes in their surroundings, so any new addition to their tank should be done slowly and carefully.
With the proper care, mosaic axolotls can make fascinating and low-maintenance pets that will bring you years of enjoyment.
